Digital SLR Camera options

[dave.81]

Well i've been asked to look into buying a digital SLR camera for doing pr shots etc

As usual i have no budget but i'd want to spend £500-750 but have no idea on good makes or models. So any camera buff's out that that want to gives some ideas i'd be very grateful.

[andyrite]

Canon 400d
http://www.canon.co.uk/eos400d/

Nice

[localzuk]

I'll second the Canon 400d...

[Paid_Peanuts]

I third that - the Canon 400d is spot on - we use for presentations etc when SLT want photos taking.

One thing to note - if you are using it from a distance the inbuilt flash isnt up to much so consider spending £150 on a decent add-on flash!

A 28mm to 105mm lense should be fine.

[tom_newton]

I have an older canon (300d) and am happy with it. Lens suggestions - depends what you want to do, I have the 18-55 kit lens (ok), the 75-300IS (great for wildlife, got some good shots at weddings etc. too, having a long lens is fun) and the f/1.8 50mm (good for portraits, shit build quality).
Am coveting my mate's 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS, which is a spot-on walkabout lens.

Got a Canon 350D last year and it is an awsome piece of kit.

You will be looking at about £400.00 for the 400D + EF-S 18-55mm Lens. the 18-55mm lens is ok, but if you want really decent PR type shots then you had better budget in for a good lens too.

The other option in this price bracket NIKON D40x + AF-S DX 18-55 mm Lens or the lesser NIKON D40 black + AF-S DX 18-55 mm Lens can be had for about £300.00

[Netman]

Just to be different - got the Nikon D80 - suberb camera & very highly recommended....

[dave.81]

Wow thanx for the quick responses. I have always liked canon so nice to hear their SLR's are good too.

Mainly it would be for normal shots of classrooms, kids etc but would also need to cope with sports shots.

Only other question is... are they worth the extra over a normal camera i mean my one at home is brilliant for all sorts of things but half the price lol... i know i'll probably be shot down in flames but worth asking the q.

[Domino]

Once you've tried a digital SLR you'll never go back.

I think you will find that most people who have used a DSLR will say that the image quality is vastly better than a compact, even at the lower end of the DSLR scale. Plus you have the advantage of speed, full manual control, the option to change lenses, the list goes on.

I would try to find someone who you know with a DSLR and ask for a play and see for yourself.

The thing to remember with DSLR is you buying into a system.

If sports is going to be needed then factor in a nice fast zoom lens.

[DSapseid]

Another vote here for the Canon EOS400d my dads got one and its amazing.

[Ric_]

My Canon 300d still works admirably. I believe that the 400d is a little less robust but I'm sure it still does a sterling job. I also second the Speedlight flash suggestion.

I have a great image stabalised lens... if you can afford one you definately should and a decent tripod (when I say decent I mean one that does the job rather than being silly money) is worth its weight too.

[tom_newton]

IS won't give much benefit for that type of shooting tho - sprots shots you really need the fastest lens you can get, which in your budget will probably be one of the standard zooms... "room" shots, the standard 18-55 lens (on both canon & nikon) is nice & wide for such shots.

[Ric_]

@tom_newton: I find my 18-55mm lens not quite wide enough for 'room shots'... you rich fellows in Yorkshire must have bigger rooms!

[tom_newton]

@Ric_, how's the lancashire cardboard box ;-P

TBH, you're not gonna get a lot wide (you can get to 17..) without paying for a specialist fisheye style lens....